This 1986 documentary by filmmaker Robert Mugge chronicles the life, music, philosophies, and opinions of the singer, bandleader, political activist, and Harvard-trained lawyer Rubén Blades. Mugge captures Blades's intel... more &raquoligence, passion, and charisma in a variety of locales: from the bandstand of New York City's famed club, S.O.B.'s, where Blades and his ensemble, Seis del Solar, performed, to his heartfelt recollections of growing up in United States-dominated Panama City. Whether he's talking about the political history of his country with columnist Peter Hamill of the [New York] Daily News, recording a track with pop superstar Linda Ronstadt, or swinging the son montuno/salsa grooves of "Buscando America," "Tiburon," and his "Mack the Knife" cover, "Pedro Navaja," with his group, Rubén Blades successfully blends art and politics. In the film he promised to return home and run for president--which he eventually did, unsuccessfully, but heroically. --Eugene Holley Jr.&laquo less

"Before you buy this, you should know that it is somewhat of a documentary. There aren't full recordings of Ruben Blades music. Rather, there are partial live recordings accompanied by following Blades and interviewing him about his feelings on Salsa and life in general--more specifically, his life. The interview starts at the Harvard Law School commencement exercise, continues on to Panama and back to S.O.B.'s--a famous New York night club. This takes place in the mid-nineteen-eighties.It is a worthwhile production. If you want to know about Ruben Blades, or have been a fan for years, this is a very good DVD. As long as the price is reasonable, this DVD is a small piece of music history and should be purchased as so. If you're looking for a music DVD to put on at parties, forget it."

"The most dissappointng part of this psuedo documentary is the way he has glossed over the most important person in his career, Willie Colon. It is inexcusable to revise history in such a blatant cavalier manner. I feel the title is inappropriate. It implies action, almost cowboy style. But there is not a lot of music. Mr. Blades also neglected to subtitle the disk. Not a very thoughful gesture to his core constituency. Save your money"

Oh, Boy! What an Intellectual & Down-to-Earth Ruben is!

A. Browne | USA | 10/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard many things about Mr. Ruben Blades since I was a young girl and I never followed up on it until after his successes crossed over the Pacific/Atlantic waters and made way to the U.S.A. Now I see what all the talk is about! I was forewarned in the early 70's. What an intellectual Latino Mr. Ruben Blades is. This DVD is mine to keep as a treasure to me and my immediate family. There is so much to learn of an individual if only we just take our time and hear one out and even come in to their world and explore what that individual is exploring. Ruben's music is exciting as the definement of "Salsa". He is well-rounded and diverse. And best of all, RUBEN BLADES IS A HUMAN BEING WHO CARES FOR HUMAN BEINGS. **AB**"